News Archive
Standard Life- Sterling Fund
11 February 2009
Investors in the safe haven of this cash fund must have been horrified when they read the news that the value of their money had fallen nearly 5% in one days trading.
Lost Your Money? www.mylostaccount.org.uk
30 January 2009
Savers Should Act Now
8 December 2008
Most banks do not alter their deposit rates until the start of the month, so act now to grab an inflation beating rate while they last.
Pre-Budget Report 24 November 2008
25 November 2008
The good news in the short term is that we should have more money in our pocket as early as December from the reduction in VAT.
Bond Returns Looking Promising
24 November 2008
The Bank of England issued its quarterly inflation report earlier this month.In
it the outlook for growth looks poor with a shrinking economy in 2009 and not until 2010 for positive growth.
Lifetime Allowance- Transitional Reliefs- Claim by April 2009
2 September 2008
There are two main types of transitional protection for benefits built up before A-Day,for which scheme members must register by 5 April 2009:
Compensation for Retiring Client
31 August 2008
We have been successful in helping on of our clients receive an award against a Scottish mutual Life office.
Our client was retiring on his 60th birthday after investing for nearly 15 years.An options pack was issued, giving a choice to buy an annuity with them or indeed take the Open Market Option(OMO).
After taking advice, he duly completed and returned the paper work and requested the monies be moved to another Life company offering better annuity terms.
Treating Customers Fairly (TCF)
23 May 2008
Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) is the new buzz word within the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The FSA regulates our business in the interests of the general public good.
US Bank Collapse Causes Panic
19 March 2008
The financial Markets are fragile in the medium term and moreover in the short term. The US economic slowdown is wider than anticipated with little sign of stabilisation with corporate profits downgrades predicted to continue.
Retire and take cash of more than 25% of your pension fund
25 February 2008
Maximising the amount of cash from their pension plan(s) is usually what most customers want. Given the new Pensions simplification rules, most individuals believe that 25% is the maximum cash withdrawal allowed and it usually is.
Fortune Favours The Bold
22 January 2008
The perception is that US central bank has not been sufficient to stop nervous investors see a double digit drop in the value of there assets. Will it go further?
Are You A Specialist Needs Borrower?
17 January 2008
We are led to believe that the mortgage market is in turmoil.The credit crunch, we are informed continues and lenders are being more selective by offering fewer products and stricter lending criteria.
Changes To ISA Investing 2008/9
9 January 2008
From 6 April 2008, there will be significant alterations to the ISA and PEP regime.The Government intends to make the following changes.
Safety Net For Savers
8 October 2007
From 1st October ,anyone who has deposits with a Bank or Buiding Society has a guarantee that if the institution collapses, the first £35,000 of savings of 100% safe.
Savings Rates Break 7% Barrier
13 September 2007
With the credit crunch still biting the mortgage market,possibilities of more casualties in sub prime market,the increased LIBOR rate reflects the Banks cautious attitudes to lend to each other.
Managing Risk in Retirement
17 August 2007
Most Retired people are risk-averse. The retired investor normally looks more for a secure income than one that could grow but involves taking risks.
Retail Distribution Review – RDR
30 July 2007
Aimed at improving the reputation of the industry by bolstering professionalism and it's need to explore ways to remuneration is fair to both the consumer and adviser.
Endowments - Some Good News
11 May 2007
A number of the Life Companies with better financial resources are now offering higher surrender values to customers.
Markets take a step back - March 2007
1 March 2007
Markets are most vulnerable when investors start to get complacent about risk.
Banks & Building Societies Short Change Customers
31 January 2007
With the recent increase in Base rates savers must be happier or are they?
Is Property Peaking?
9 January 2007
For homeowners and Buy to let portfolio owners, past results for year on year returns we cannot grumble.
Chancellor – Pre-Budget Report on Pensions, ISAs & IHT
7 December 2006
'Gordon Green!', as he has been referred to recently as he increases taxes to cover shortfall in revenue.
Bank Base Rate up to 5%
9 November 2006
The turn around in the UK economy has surprised most investors, both in terms of its magnitude, and the breadth of the recovery.
Savers' apathy loses £187 million a year
23 August 2006
A survey carried out by the Clydesdale Bank showed that 1 in 10 people put their savings "under the bed". The bank estimates customers can lose interest of £187 million a year.
Bank Of England Increases Interest Rates
3 August 2006
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee today voted to raise the official Bank rate paid on commercial bank reserves by 0.25 percentage points to 4.75%.
Supermarkets selling life cover - Is there any Trust in that?
22 June 2006
One would expect that life cover bought through TESCO or ASDA would be cheaper. Well think again. First of all you do not get advice - you get a product.
SIPPs - in specie transfer - tax relief and more
6 June 2006
If you own a property or hold shares you may be able to transfer the ownership to your own pension plan, subject to certain criteria.
Property - Buy to let - why not?
1 June 2006
Making the most of the available tax breaks on buy-to-let investments can make all the difference between profit and loss.
Record Profits for Banks again, Why?
10 March 2006
The main high street banks roll out another set of healthy profit figures:
Annuities plus more
5 May 2006
Anyone with a medical or lifestyle condition could qualifyfor more than the standard terms.
